I was honored to be a guest on the Diamond Podcast with Alfredo Diamond, where I had the chance to share my journey in the hospitality business. Owning and operating hotels has been one of the greatest challenges and blessings of my life, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to tell our story—a story built on family values, community support, and a relentless drive to serve others.
The Foundation: Family and Savings
My entry into the hotel industry wasn’t something I did alone—it was truly a family effort. After getting married into a family with hotel experience, my wife and I started with one simple but powerful principle: save. While working in Chicago, we lived simply and saved diligently. That discipline gave us the foundation to purchase our first hotel in 2006—a Days Inn (later Travel Lodge)—which we operated until selling it in 2019, just before the pandemic.
Family was, and continues to be, the cornerstone of everything we’ve built.
Understanding the Hotel Business
In the podcast, I explained how hotel ownership is both a business and a real estate investment. Hotels are valued based on their revenue—so when you take care of operations, guests, and growth, you’re not only serving people but also building long-term value.
“You’re selling the business, you’re selling the operations,” I shared during the interview. That principle has guided us through each step of our growth.
The Power of Personal Touch
From the very beginning, we committed ourselves to being hands-on owners. Even at our first economy-segment hotel, we focused on cleanliness, hospitality, and building real relationships with guests. Before long, people weren’t coming because of the brand—they were coming because of us.
“It came to the point where guests were not coming in for Days Inn—they were coming in because I owned the hotel,” I told Alfredo. That personal touch remains at the heart of what we do at Best Western Richmond today.
Navigating Growth and Financing
Growth hasn’t come without challenges. Community banks like West End Bank and First Bank Richmond believed in us and helped finance our journey. I’ll always be grateful to leaders like Ben Brock, who supported us when we needed it most.
For first-time hotel buyers, I encourage exploring multiple options:
-
Commercial loans with 20% down
-
SBA financing with as little as 10–15% down
-
Partnering with a recognized hotel brand to strengthen financing opportunities
Franchise fees may seem high, but brand recognition, loyalty programs, and credibility often make the investment worthwhile.
The COVID-19 Test
Like so many in hospitality, we faced our darkest moment during COVID-19. Overnight, every reservation for the year vanished. The stress was so intense that I ended up in the hospital with my heart racing, afraid of losing everything we had built.
But in that moment, I remembered: If I survived when I had nothing, I can survive now.
That mindset gave me strength. With the support of local banks, government relief, and our community, we pulled through. By God’s grace, we didn’t just survive—we grew stronger.
Investing in Richmond’s Future
Instead of expanding elsewhere, my wife and I made the decision to reinvest right here in Richmond. We fully renovated our 69-room Best Western, carefully designing every detail—from furniture to finishes—to make guests feel welcome and cared for.
The results were so striking that guests often ask if we built a brand-new hotel. Recently, we were approved to upgrade to Best Western Plus—the first of its kind in our market.
Community Impact and Balance
Our hotel isn’t just a business; it’s part of the Richmond community. We’ve hosted IU East golf tournaments, welcomed families visiting loved ones, and provided accommodations for businesses and events that fuel our local economy.
Still, I’ve learned that entrepreneurship requires sacrifice. I regret missing moments with my oldest son, Kush, while building the business. That experience taught me to make changes—selling one property so I could spend more time with my family, especially with our younger son. Balance matters just as much as growth.
The Recipe for Success
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that success in hospitality—and in life—comes down to a few timeless principles:
-
Build a financial foundation with family and savings
-
Deliver personal, hands-on service
-
Cultivate strong banking and community relationships
-
Continuously reinvest in your brand and facilities
-
Prepare for unexpected challenges with long-term reserves
-
Protect time for family and personal balance
Looking Ahead
Today, we own two hotels outright—here in Richmond, IN, and in Greenville, OH—and we also participate in investment groups for other properties. But no matter how far the journey takes us, Richmond will always be home.
I’m proud of what we’ve built, but even more grateful for the people we’ve met along the way—guests, team members, community partners, and friends who make this work meaningful.
If you’d like to hear the full story, I invite you to listen to my conversation on the Diamond Podcast. And of course, if you’re planning a visit to Richmond, I’d love to personally welcome you at our newly renovated Best Western Plus Richmond—where every stay is built on the same values that started our journey.
